Brother RJ-4040 - Raster Command Reference

Software Developer's Manual 

Raster Command Reference 

RJ-4030/4030Ai/4040 

Version 1.03

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IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY 

Note 

This documentation (“Documentation”) provides information that will assist you in controlling your Printer 

RJ-XXXX (where “XXXX” is the model name). 

You may use the Documentation only if you first agree to the following conditions. 

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DOCUMENTATION.


Contents 

Introduction ···································································································· 1 

About Raster Commands ················································································· 2 

1. Printing Using Raster Commands ································································· 3 

2. Print Data ···································································································· 5 

2.1 Print data overview ······························································································ 5 

2.2 Sample (analyzing the print data of the test page) ···················································· 7 

2.2.1 Preparation ............................................................................................................. 7 

2.2.2 Checking the print data .......................................................................................... 7 

2.2.3 Explanation of print data for the test page ........................................................... 10 

2.3 Page data details ······························································································· 12 

2.3.1 Resolution ............................................................................................................ 12 

2.3.2 Page size ............................................................................................................. 12 

2.3.3 Feed amount ........................................................................................................ 14 

2.3.4 Maximum and minimum lengths .......................................................................... 14 

2.3.5 Raster line ............................................................................................................ 15 

3. Print Command List ··················································································· 17 

4. Printing Command Details ·········································································· 18 

NULL Invalidate ..................................................................................................... 18 

ESC i S Status information request .......................................................................... 18 

ESC @ Initialize ....................................................................................................... 23 

ESC i U Additional media information command ...................................................... 23 

ESC i d Specify margin amount (feed amount) ........................................................ 25 

ESC i a Switch dynamic command mode ................................................................ 26 

g Raster graphics transfer .............................................................................. 26 

ESC i B Specify baud rate ........................................................................................ 27 

Z Zero raster graphics .................................................................................... 27 

FF Print command ............................................................................................ 27 

Control-Z Print command with feeding ........................................................................ 27 

ESC i z Print information command ......................................................................... 28 

M Select compression mode ........................................................................... 29 

5. MCR Command Specifications ··································································· 31 

5.1. Command details······························································································ 31 

ESC #1 MCR on command ...................................................................................... 31 

ESC #0 MCR off command ...................................................................................... 31 

5.2. Response ········································································································ 32 

6. Flow Charts ······························································································· 34 

6.1 Normal flow for USB connection ·········································································· 34 

6.2 Error flow for USB connection (when feeding at the end of the page) ························ 35 

6.3 Error flow for USB connection (with a concurrent printing error such as end of tape) ··· 36 

6.4 Cooling flow for USB connection ·········································································· 37 

6.5 Flow for setting serial connection baud rate ··························································· 38 

6.6 Normal flow for serial connection ········································································· 39 

6.7 Error flow for serial connection ············································································ 40 

6.8 Cleaning flow for serial connection ······································································· 41 

Appendix A: USB Specifications ···································································· 42 

Appendix B: Introducing the Brother Developer Center ··································· 43 

- i -


Introduction 

This material provides the necessary information for directly controlling the Brother printer RJ-XXXX (where 

“XXXX” is the model name). 

This information is provided assuming that the user has full understanding of the operating system being used 

and basic mastery of USB and networks in a developer's environment. 

Details concerning the USB interface are not described in this material. If a USB interface is being used, refer 

to “Appendix A: USB Specifications” to prepare the interface. 

We accept no responsibility for any problems caused by programs that you develop using the information 

provided in this material, affecting software, data or hardware, including the Brother printer RJ-XXXX, and any 

problems resulting directly or indirectly from them. These materials are provided in their current condition, and 

we assume no responsibility for their content. Use this material only if you accept these terms. 

This material shall not be reproduced, in part or in full, without prior approval. In addition, this material shall 

not be used as evidence in a lawsuit or dispute in a way that is unfavorable towards our company. 

Read the model names that appear in the screens in this manual as the name of your printer. 

- 1 - 

Introduction


About Raster Commands 

Using raster commands an RJ-XXXX printer (where “XXXX” is the model name) can be used to print without 

using our printer driver. 

This operation is useful in the following situations. 

• When printing from an operating system other than Windows 

(Example: When printing from a Linux computer or mobile terminal) 

• When adding print functions to an existing system 

In addition, printing can be performed with advanced settings. 

In this material, “raster” refers to binary bitmap data (collection of dots). 

Refer to this material to print by sending initialization commands and control codes together with raster data to 

the RJ-XXXX printer (hereafter, referred to as “printer”). 

This manual describes the procedure for adding these codes and sending the data. 

- 2 - 

About Raster Commands

At your side 


1. Printing Using Raster Commands 

The printing procedure is described below. For detailed flow charts, refer to “6. Flow Charts”. For details on 

each command, refer to “4. Printing Command Details”. 

In addition, descriptions of the commands for the MCR (magnetic card reader) are provided. For details, refer 

to “5. MCR Command Specifications”. 

(1) Open the port 

Port 

(2) Send the status 

(Confirm the printer status.) 

(プリンタの状態を確認 ) 

(3) Send the print data 

(5) Send the status 

(Confirm that printing is completed.) 

Computer, mobile 

terminal, etc. 

Your printer 

(4) Print 

(6) Close the port 

- 3 - 

1. Printing Using Raster Commands


(1) Open the USB/serial/network port 

Open the USB/serial/network port in the operating environment. The procedure for opening the 

USB/serial/network port is not described in this material. 

The network port can only be used with the RJ-4040. 

(2) Confirm the printer status sent from the printer 

The “status information request” command is sent to the printer, the status information received from the 

printer is analyzed, and then the status of the printer is determined. 

For details on the “status information request” command and on the definitions of “status”, refer to “Status 

information request” in “4. Printing Command Details”. 

(3) Send the print data 

If the status analysis confirms that media compatible with the print data is loaded into the printer and that 

no error has occurred, the print data is sent. 

The structure of the print data is explained in the next section, “2. Print Data”. 

Note: 

No command can be sent to the printer after the print data is transmitted and until the completion 

of printing is confirmed. 

Even the “status information request” command cannot be sent during printing. 

(4) Print the data 

(5) Confirm that printing is completed 

When printing is completed, the status is received from the printer. 

If this status is analyzed to confirm that printing is completed, printing one page is considered finished. 

If the print job has multiple pages, (2) through (4) are repeated. 

(6) Close the USB/serial/network port 

After all printing is finished, close the USB/serial/network port. 

Note: 

In order to print at high speed when a USB port is used to send uncompressed raster data, the 

Brother RJ-XXXX starts printing when it starts to receive print data, instead of waiting for a print 

command (concurrent printing). 

For the processing flow, for example when managing errors, refer to “6. Flow Charts”. 

- 4 - 

1. Printing Using Raster Commands


2. Print Data 

2.1 Print data overview 

The print data is constructed of the following: (1) initialization commands, (2) control codes, (3) raster data, 

and (4) print commands. If the print job consists of multiple pages, (2) through (4) are repeated. 

(1) Initialization commands 

Specified only once at the beginning of the job. 

Sequence Command Name Description/Example 

1 Invalidate 

2 Initialize 

Sends a 350-byte invalidate command, and then resets the printer 

to the receiving state. 

Initializes for printing. 

1Bh, 40h (Fixed) 

(2) Control codes 

Added at the beginning of each page and sent for each page. 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Switch dynamic 

command mode 

Additional media 

information 

command 

Print information 

command 

Specify margin 

amount 

Select compression 

mode 

1Bh, 69h, 61h, 01h 

1Bh, 69h, 55h, 77h, 01h, 127 bytes of media information 

Note 

If the media information is the same as when printing was 

last performed, it is unnecessary to send the additional 

media information command. 

Sets the print information for the printer. 

For 102-mm-wide continuous length tape: 

1Bh, 69h, 7Ah, 86h, 0Ah, 66h, 00h, 09h, 07h, 00h, 00h, 00h, 00h 

Specifies the amount of the margins. 

For 3 mm margins: 

1Bh, 69h , 64h, 23h, 00h 

Selects the compression mode for raster graphics. 

To send the data compressed to TIFF format: 

4Dh, 02h 

- 5 - 

2. Print Data


(3) Raster data 

Repeated for each page in the print job. 


- 

Raster graphics 

transfer 

Sends a raster line that contains data with pixels set to “ON”. 

- Zero raster graphics 

Sends a raster line with all pixels set to “0”. 

5Ah (Fixed) 

(4) Print commands 

Specified at the end of the page. 


- Print command 

Specifies at the end of a page that is not the last page. 

0Ch 

- 

Print command with 

feeding 

Specifies at the end of the last page. 

1Ah (Fixed) 

- 6 - 

2. Print Data


2.2 Sample (analyzing the print data of the test page) 

The print data created by the printer driver is described here. 

As an example, we will check the print data created when the [Print Test Page] button in the printer 

Properties dialog box is clicked to print the test page. 

Since the print data differs depending on the print settings of the printer, refer to this procedure and try 

creating print data with various print settings. 

Furthermore, this procedure is for the Windows ® 7 operating environment. A similar procedure can be 

performed if you are using a different operating system. 

Printer Properties 

Test page 

2.2.1 Preparation 

Install the two listed below. 

・ Printer driver of the Brother RJ-XXXX 

・ Binary file editor 

The data that we will analyze in this sample is a binary file. 

Therefore, use a binary file editor to display and check the contents of the binary file. 

2.2.2 Checking the print data 

The procedure for checking the print data is provided below. 

Step 1: Change the port of the printer to “FILE:”. 

Step 2: Print the desired item (in this case, the test page), and then specify the file name. 

Step 3: Open the created file in the binary file editor to check it. 

- 7 - 

2. Print Data


Step 1: Change the port of the printer to “FILE:”. 

Open the Printers and Faxes folder, and then right-click the printer (in this case, RJ-4030) to display 

the Properties dialog box. In the Properties dialog box, click the [Ports] tab, select the “FILE:” check 

box, and then click the [Apply] button. 

[Ports] tab of the printer Properties dialog box 

Step 2: Print the item (in this case, the test page), and then specify the file name. 

For this sample, print the test page with the default print settings, which were specified immediately 

after the printer driver was installed. 

Default settings immediately after installation of the printer driver 

- 8 - 

2. Print Data


When the test page is printed with the printer, a dialog box appears so that the file name can be 

specified. (Refer to the illustration below.) 

After a file name is typed in and the [OK] button is clicked, the printer driver creates the print data and 

saves it in a file with the specified name. 

Dialog box for specifying the file name 

Step 3: Open the print data in the binary file editor. 

Open the saved file in the binary file editor. The rows of numbers that appear are the print data. (Refer 

to the illustration below.) 

The print data is constructed of the following: (1) initialization commands, (2) control codes, (3) raster 

data and (4) print commands, which were described in “2.1 Print data overview”. For details on the print 

data, refer to “2.2.3 Explanation of print data for the test page”. 

(1) Initialization 

commands 

(2) Control codes 

(3) Raster data 

(4) Print commands 

Print data 

- 9 - 

2. Print Data


2.2.3 Explanation of print data for the test page 

The print data for the test page outputted in the previous section is described below. 

The following illustration shows the print data created in section “2.2.1 Preparation” opened in the binary file 

editor. 

1 

3 4 

2 

6 

5 

7 

8 

9 

: 

: 

Print data 

- 10 - 

2. Print Data


Descriptions for the numbers in the print data on the previous page are provided in the following table. 

For details on each command, refer to “4. Printing Command Details”. 

No. Command Name Description 

1 Invalidate A 350-byte invalidate command is sent. 

2 Initialize The “initialize” command is sent. 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Switch dynamic 

command mode 

Additional media 

information command 

Print information 

command 

Various mode settings 

(1Bh+69h+4Dh+00H) 

The printer is switched to raster mode. 

Send this command before sending raster data to the printer. 

Additional media information on the media size is sent. 

This is the command for “4" × 6" (102 mm × 152 mm)”. 

Media size information for the print data is sent. 

This is the command for “4" × 6" (102 mm × 152 mm)” die-cut 

labels. 

This is the command for specifying settings such as cut options. 

Since there are no cut options with this model, it is unnecessary 

to send this command. 

7 Specify margin amount 

Since a margin amount cannot be specified with die-cut labels, 

this command is sent with a margin amount of 0. 

8 

Select compression 

mode 

TIFF compression mode is selected. 

9 Raster data Raster data continues. 

10 

Print command with 

feeding 

Since one page will be printed, this is sent at the end of the first 

page. 

- 11 - 

2. Print Data

Feeding direction 


2.3 Page data details 

2.3.1 Resolution 

Resolution 

Height-to-Width Proportion 

203 dpi high, 203 dpi wide 1:1 

2.3.2 Page size 

(a) Continuous length tape 

1 

3 

5 

6 

5 

6 

2 

4 

Print 

area 

4 

2 

1 

3 

Print area 


Landscape 

Portrait 

Number 1 Width 2 Length 

3 Print area width (maximum printing width) 4 Print area length 

5 Width offset 6 Length offset 

ID Tape Size Designation 1 2 3 4 5 6 

415 102 mm 

102 mm 

4" 

101.6 mm 

812 dots 

--> 2.3.4. 

98.6 mm 

764 dots 

-->2.3.4. 

1.5 mm 

12 dots 

--> 2.3.3. 

- 12 - 

2. Print Data


(b) Die-cut labels 

1 

5 

3 

6 

2 

4 

Print area 

Number 1 Width 2 Length 

3 Print area width (maximum printing width) 4 Print area length 

5 Width offset 6 Length offset 

ID Label Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 

423 

RD 102 mm x 26 mm 

RD 4" x 1" 

101.6 mm 

812 dots 

25.6 mm 

195 dots 

98.6 mm 

788 dots 

20.5 mm 

156 dots 

1.5 mm 

12 dots 

3.0 mm 

24 dots 

419 

RD 102 mm x 50 mm 

RD 4" x 2" 

101.6 mm 

812 dots 

49.9 mm 

399 dots 

98.6 mm 

788 dots 

43.9 mm 

351 dots 

1.5 mm 

12 dots 

3.0 mm 

24 dots 

424 

RD 102 mm x 76 mm 

RD 4" x 3" 

101.6 mm 

812 dots 

76.2 mm 

609 dots 

98.6 mm 

788 dots 

70.2 mm 

561 dots 

1.5 mm 

12 dots 

3.0 mm 

24 dots 

425 

RD 102 mm x 102 mm 

RD 4" x 4" 

101.6 mm 

812 dots 

101.6 mm 

812 dots 

98.6 mm 

788 dots 

95.6 mm 

764 dots 

1.5 mm 

12 dots 

3.0 mm 

24 dots 

420 

RD 102 mm x 152 mm 

RD 4" x 6" 

101.6 mm 

812 dots 

152.4 mm 

1218dots 

98.6 mm 

788 dots 

140.5 mm 

1123 dots 

1.5 mm 

12 dots 

6.0 mm 

48 dots 

- 13 - 

2. Print Data


2.3.3 Feed amount 

The feed amount (left and right margins) is defined below. 

Type Minimum Margin Setting Maximum Margin Setting 

Continuous length tape 

3 mm 

0.12" 

24 dots 

127 mm 

5" 

1020 dots 

Die-cut labels 

The length offset indicated in “(b) Die-cut labels” of “2.3.2 Page size” 

is used. 

However, set “0” as the value of the “specify margin amount” 

command. 

2.3.4 Maximum and minimum lengths 

The maximum and minimum lengths are defined below. 

Type Minimum Length Maximum Length 

Device Capabilities 

Value of DC_MINEXTENT 

Continuous length tape 

25.4 mm 

204 dots 

25.4 mm 

204 dots 

3000 mm 

24094 dots 

3000 mm 

24094 dots 

Die-cut labels Fixed Fixed 

- 14 - 

2. Print Data

RasterLine 4 

Zero Raster 1 

Zero Raster 1 





2.3.5 Raster line 

As shown below, the parts with data to be printed are converted with “raster graphics transfer”, and the 

parts with no data are converted with “zero raster graphics”. On the actual tape, margins (feed) are 

added specified with “various mode settings” at the beginning and the end. 


Expansion direction 

Print area 

Rasterized 


Print area 

Print head 

The following shows the relationship between the raster graphics parameters and the pixels. 

MSB LSB 

1 st B 

MSB LSB MSB LSB MSB LSB 

2 nd B 3 rd B 4 th B ... 

- 15 - 

2. Print Data


Total number of pins: 832 pins 

Number of pins 

for right margin 

Raster line 

First byte 

Left and right margins 

Number of 

print area 

pins 

Total number 

of pins 

Print area 

Last byte 

0 pin 

Number of pins 

for left margin 

Pins on print head 


Continuous length tape: 

Tape Size 

Number of Pins 

for Left Margin 

Number of Print 

Area Pins 


for Right Margin 

Number of Bytes for 

Raster Graphics Transfer 

102 mm 22 788 22 104 

Die-cut labels: 

Label Size 


for Left Margin 

Number of Print 

Area Pins 


for Right Margin 

Number of Bytes for 

Raster Graphics Transfer 

102 mm x 25 mm 22 788 22 104 

102 mm x 51 mm 22 788 22 104 

102 mm x 76 mm 22 788 22 104 

102 mm x 102 mm 22 788 22 104 

102 mm x 152 mm 22 788 22 104 

- 16 - 

2. Print Data


3. Print Command List 

ASCII Code Binary Code Description 

NULL 00 Invalidate 

ESC i S 1B 69 53 Status information request 

ESC @ 1B 40 Initialize 

ESC i U w 1 1B 69 55 77 01 Additional media information command 

ESC i d 1B 69 64 Specify margin amount (feed amount) 

ESC i a 1B 69 61 Switch dynamic command mode 

g 67 Raster graphics transfer 

ESC i B 1B 69 42 Specify baud rate 

Z 5A Zero raster graphics 

FF 0C Print command 

Control-Z 1A Print command with feeding 

ESC i z 1B 69 7A Print information command 

M 4D Select compression mode 

- 17 - 

3. Print Command List


4. Printing Command Details 

NULL 

Invalidate 

ASCII: NULL 

Hexadecimal: 00 

Description 

• Skipped 

• If data transmission is to be stopped midway, send the “initialize” command after sending the “invalidate” 

command for the appropriate number of bytes to return to the receiving state, where the print buffer is 

cleared. 

ESC i S 

Status information request 

ASCII: ESC i S 

Hexadecimal: 1B 69 53 

Description 

• Send a request to the printer for status information. For details on the status, refer to the previous section. 

• The size is fixed at 32 bytes. 

Note 

Before sending print data to the printer, this command should be sent once. Since error 

information is automatically sent by the printer during printing, do not send this command while 

printing. 

- 18 - 

4. Printing Command Details


Number Offset Size Name Value/Reference 

1 0 1 Print head mark Fixed at 80h 

2 1 1 Size Fixed at 20h 

3 2 1 Reserved Fixed at “B” (42h) 

4 3 1 Series code Fixed at “7” (37h) 

5 4 1 Model code 

RJ-4030: Fixed at “1” (31h) 

RJ-4030Ai: Fixed at “5” (35h) 

RJ-4040: Fixed at “2” (32h) 

6 5 1 Reserved Fixed at “0” (30h) 

7 6 1 Battery level Refer to table (8) below. 

8 7 1 Reserved Fixed at “00h” 

9 8 1 Error information 1 Refer to table (1) below. 

10 9 1 Error information 2 Refer to table (2) below. 

11 10 1 Media width Refer to table (3) below. 

12 11 1 Media type Refer to table (4) below. 

13 12 1 Reserved Fixed at 00h 


15 14 1 Reserved Fixed at 3Fh 

16 15 1 Mode 

Value specified where the “various 

mode settings” command 

00h if not specified 


18 17 1 Media length Refer to table (3) below. 

19 18 1 Status type Refer to table (5) below. 

20 19 1 Phase type 

21 20 1 

22 21 1 

Phase number 

(higher order bytes) 

Phase number 

(lower order bytes) 

Refer to table (6) below. 

23 22 1 Notification number Refer to table (7) below. 



- 19 - 



(1) Error information 1 

Flag Mask Definition 

Bit 0 01h “No media” error 

Bit 1 02h “End of media” error (only for die-cut labels) 

Bit 2 04h Cutter jam (not used) 

Bit 3 08h (Not used) 

Bit 4 10h Printer in use 

Bit 5 20h Printer turned off 

Bit 6 40h High-voltage adapter (not used) 

Bit 7 80h Fan motor error (not used) 

(2) Error information 2 

Flag Mask Definition 

Bit 0 01h “Replace media” error (with a serial connecting) 

Bit 1 02h “Expansion buffer full” error 

Bit 2 04h Communication error 

Bit 3 08h “Communication buffer full” error (not used) 

Bit 4 10h “Cover open” error 

Bit 5 20h Cancel key (not used) 

Bit 6 

40h 

Media cannot be fed 

(also when the media end is detected) 

Bit 7 80h System error 

- 20 - 



(3) Media width and length 

The media width and length is described in millimeters. 0~255 (0 to FFh) 


* Media Width: The tape width is indicated in millimeters. 

* Media Length: Fixed at 00h 

Media Media Width Media Length 

102 mm 102 00 


* Media Width: The width of the die-cut section is indicated. 

* Media Length: The length of the die-cut section is indicated. 

Media Media Width Media Length 

102 mm x 26 mm 102 26 

102 mm x 50 mm 102 50 

102 mm x 76 mm 102 76 

102 mm x 102 mm 102 102 

102 mm x 152 mm 102 152 

(4) Media type 

Media Type Value Description 

No media 

00h 

Used as print information when the 

media type is not indicated. 

Continuous length tape 4Ah Used for both paper and film. 

Die-cut labels 4Bh Used for both paper and film. 

(5) Status type 

Status Type Value Description 

Reply to status request 

Printing completed 

Error occurred 

Turned off 

Notification 

Phase change 

(Not used) 

(Reserved) 

00h 

01h 

02h 

04h 

05h 

06h 

08h to 20h 

21h to FFh 

If an error occurred during printing, the printer returns the error status. 

- 21 - 



(6) Phase type and phase number 

If the phase number is not used, both are fixed at 00h. 

Phase State 

Receiving state 

Printing state 

Phase Type 

00h 

01h 

Receiving state 

Phase Value (Dec.) Higher Order Bytes Lower Order Bytes 

Waiting to receive 0 00h 00h 

Printing state 

Phase Value (Dec.) Higher Order Bytes Lower Order Bytes 

Printing 0 00h 00h 

• When the printer is turned on, it is in the receiving state. When printing begins, it changes to the “printing” 

phase (phase type: printing state; phase number: printing), and the printer sends that phase status to the 

computer. When printing has finished, the printer sends the “receiving state” phase status (phase type: 

receiving state; phase number: waiting to receive) to the computer. Unless an error occurs during printing, 

the printer sends the “printing completed” status. 

• With concurrent printing, printing starts even if a print command has not been sent from the computer in 

order to print at high speed. At this time, care should be taken since the “printing” and “waiting to receive” 

phase statuses will be sent. (Refer to “6. Flow Charts”.) 

(7) Notification number 

Notification 

Not available 

Cooling (started) 

Cooling (finished) 

Value 

00h 

01h 

02h 

(8) Battery level 

Battery Level 

Full 

Half 

Low 

Charging required 

AC adaptor in use 

Value 

00h 

01h 

02h 

03h 

04h 

- 22 - 



ESC @ 

Initialize 

ASCII: ESC @ 

Hexadecimal: 1B 40 

Description 

• Initializes mode settings. 

• Also used to cancel printing. 

ESC i U 

Additional media information command 

ASCII: ESC i U w 1 {d1...d127} 

Hexadecimal: 1B 69 55 77 01 {d1...d127} 

Description 

• Updates the media information for the printer. 

• Send to the printer the commands outputted with the “Save Paper Size Commands” function of Paper Size 

Setup. 

Note 

If the media information is the same as when printing was last performed, it is unnecessary to 

send the additional media information command. 

“Save Paper Size Commands” function of Paper Size Setup 

1. Preparation 

Install the two listed below. 

・Printer driver of the Brother RJ-XXXX 

・Binary file editor. 

The data outputted with the “Save Paper Size Commands” function of Paper Size Setup will be a 

binary file. Therefore, use a binary file editor to display and check the contents of the binary file. 

- 23 - 



Open the [Devices and Printers] window, right-click the printer, and then display the Printing 

Preferences dialog box. Click the [Paper Size Setup] button on the [Basic] tab to display the 

Paper Size Setup dialog box. (Refer to the illustration below.) 

Click [Save Paper Size Commands] button to display a dialog box for creating a file for saving the 

paper size commands, and then save them in a file with the specified name. 

2. Open the saved file in the binary file editor. The rows of numbers that appear are the command 

data.(Refer to the illustration below.) 

In the command data that appeared, the part marked with the red box is the additional media 

information command. 

Of this, the 127 bytes underlined in orange are the media information. 

Use this when adding media information. 

- 24 - 



ESC i d 

Specify margin amount (feed amount) 

ASCII: ESC i d {n1} {n2} 

Hexadecimal: 1B 69 64 {n1} {n2} 

Description 

• Specifies the amount of the margins. 

• Margin amount (dots)=n1+n2*256 

• With die-cut labels, the margin amount at the ends of the printed area is 0. 


Paper 

Tape 

Print area 

Margin amount 

Cut line 


Paper 

Label 

Print area 

Margin amount 

(only “0” is available) 

Cut line 

- 25 - 



ESC i a 

Switch dynamic command mode 

ASCII: ESC i a {n1} 

Hexadecimal: 1B 69 61 {n1} 

Parameters 

Definitions of {n}: 

0: ESC/P mode (default) 

1: Raster mode (Be sure to switch to this mode.) 

3: P-touch Template mode 

Description 

• Dynamically switches between the printer's command modes. A printer that receives this command 

operates in the specified command mode until the printer is turned off. 

• The printer must be switched to raster mode before raster data is sent to it. Therefore, send this command 

to switch the printer to raster mode. 

g 

Raster graphics transfer 

ASCII: g {s} {n} {d1} ... {dn} 

Hexadecimal: 67 {s} {n} {d1} ... {dn} 

Parameters 

{s} 00h 

{n} Number of bytes of raster data (d1 to dh) 

However, use the following value if no compression is specified as the compression mode. 

n=104 

{d1~dn} Raster data. 

- 26 - 



ESC i B 

Specify baud rate 

ASCII: ESC i B {n1} {n2} 

Hexadecimal: 1B 69 42 {n1} {n2} 

Parameters 

Setting=n1+n2*256 

Setting: 96=9600 bps, 576=57600 bps, 1152=115200 bps 

Description 

• Changes the communications baud rate for the printer. The manufacturer’s default setting is 9600 bps. 

Z 

Zero raster graphics 

ASCII: Z 

Hexadecimal: 5A 

Description 

• Fills raster line with 0 data. 

FF 

Print command 

ASCII: FF 

Hexadecimal: 0C 

Description 

• Used as a print command at the end of pages other than the last page when multiple pages are printed. 

Control-Z 

Print command with feeding 

ASCII: Control-Z 

Hexadecimal: 1A 

Description 

• Used as a print command at the end of the last page. 

- 27 - 



ESC i z 

Print information command 

ASCII: ESC i z {n1} {n2} {n3} {n4} {n5} {n6} {n7} {n8} {n9} {n10} 

Hexadecimal: 1B 69 7A {n1} {n2} {n3} {n4} {n5} {n6} {n7} {n8} {n9} {n10} 

Description 

• Specifies the print information. 

• Definitions of {n1} through {n10} 

{n1}: 

{n2}: 

{n3}: 

{n4}: 

{n5-n8}: 

Valid flag; Specifies which values are valid 

#define PI_KIND 0x02 // Media type 

#define PI_WIDTH 0x04 // Media width 

#define PI_LENGTH 0x08 // Media length 

#define PI_QUALITY 0x40 // Priority given to print quality 

#define PI_RECOVER 0x80 // Printer recovery always on 

Media type 

Continuous length tape: 0Ah 

Die-cut labels: 0Bh 

{n3}: Media width (mm) 

{n4}: Media length (mm) 

For the media of width 102 mm × length 152 mm, specify as n3=66h and n4=98h. 

Raster number = n8*256*256*256 + n7*256*256 + n6*256 + n5 

If the media is not correctly loaded into the printer when the valid flag for PI_KIND, 

PI_WIDTH and PI_LENGTH are set to “ON”, an error status is returned (Bit 0 of “(2) 

Error information 2” is set to “ON”.) 

{n9}: Starting page: 0 

Other pages: 1 

{n10}: Fixed at 0 

- 28 - 



M 

Select compression mode 

Parameters 

Description 

ASCII: M {n} 

Hexadecimal: 4D 

Definitions of {n} 

{n} 

0 No-compression mode (Enabled) 

1 Reserved (Disabled) 

2 TIFF (Enabled) 

• Selects the compression mode. Data compression is available only for data in raster graphic transfer. 

[TIFF(Pack Bits)] 

• 1-byte units 

• If the same data is repeated, the number of data units and that 1 byte of data are specified. 

If different data is in a series, the number of data items and all of the different data are specified. 

• If the same data is repeated, the number of data units is specified as the actual number minus 1, 

expressed as a negative number. 

If different data is in a series, the number of data units is specified as the number of bytes minus 1, 

expressed as a positive number. 

• If the above process results in more than 162 bytes of compressed data, the data is treated as being all 

different. As a result, the data will be 163 bytes, including the 1 byte that specifies the data length. 

Example 

1 raster of raster graphics transfer: 

Without compression: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 

00 00 00 00 00 22 22 23 BA BF A2 22 2B…… 

With compression: 

ED 00 FF 22 05 23 BA BF A2 22 2B … 

a b c 

a. Since “00h” is repeated for 20 bytes, 20d -> 19d -> 13h changed into a negative number is EDh. 

Therefore: ED 00 

b. Since “22h” is repeated for 2 bytes, 2d -> 1d -> 1h changed into a negative number is FFh. 

Therefore: FF 22 

c. The following 6 bytes remain unchanged. 6d -> 5d -> 5h 

Therefore: 05 23 BA BF A2 22 2B 

Continue for the remaining number of bytes for the uncompressed data. Even if 00h continues until the 

end, it cannot be omitted. 

- 29 - 



Explanation of “TIFF compression mode” 

With compression, the data for the “raster graphics transfer” command is based on 104 bytes of the total 

number of pins (832). As shown below, with no compression, the sum of the number of offset pins and the 

number of pins within the print area is the byte data. However, with compression, the number of unused pins 

is also added to the data. In other words, with compression, this becomes 104 bytes when it is expanded by 

the printer, regardless of the tape width. 

Raster line with 

compression 

Raster line with 

no compression 

0 pin 

First byte 

Number 

of offset 

pins 

Tape margin 

Total 

number 

of pins 

Number of 

print area 

pins 

Print area 

Number 

of unused 

pins 

Pins on print head 

Last byte 


- 30 - 



5. MCR Command Specifications 

5.1. Command details 

ESC #1 

MCR on command 

ASCII: ESC # 1 {n1} {n2} {n3} 

Hexadecimal: 1B 23 31 {n1} {n2} {n3} 

Description 

• Turns on MCR. Does nothing if it is already on. 

• Definitions of {n1} through {n3} 

{n1}: 

Set read/response mode 

00h: Continuous reading mode 

01h: Single reading mode (Reading ends even if it failed) 

*Does nothing if none of the above 

{n2}: 

{n3}: 

Timeout setting (seconds, 1 (min.) to 255 (max.)); 0 (00h) indicates no timeout. 

Read track setting 

{n3} 

Read track 

Track3 Track2 Track1 

1 (01h) - - ○ 

2 (02h) - ○ - 

3 (03h) - ○ ○ 

4 (04h) ○ - - 

5 (05h) ○ - ○ 

6 (06h) ○ ○ - 

7 (07h) ○ ○ ○ 

*7 (07h) if other than 1 through 7 

ESC #0 

MCR off command 

ASCII: ESC # 0 

Hexadecimal: 1B 23 30 

Description 

• Turns off MCR. Does nothing if it is already off. 

- 31 - 

5. MCR Command Specifications


5.2. Response 

Condition 

Response 

Description 

Successful Reception Response (When there is data) 

Hex 54h [track] 3Ah [data] 0Dh 0Ah 

ASCII T [track] : [data] CR LF 

Response that returns the read card data 

[track]: Track number (ASCII, ‘1’ to ‘3’) 

Track1: 31h, Track2: 32h, Track3: 33h 

Track number Multiple bytes Delimiter 

[data]: Read data string (ASCII) 

SS start code and FC, AS, ES, SS, etc. symbols are not included. 

Condition 

Response 

Description 

Successful Reception Response (When there is no data) 

Hex 54h [track] 3Ah [“empty”] 0Dh 0Ah 

ASCII T [track] : [“empty”] CR LF 

Track number 

Character string 

“empty” 

Delimiter 

Response indicating that there was no data on the track specified with the MCR on command 

This response is returned if the specified track does not exist on the card. 

[track]: Track number (ASCII, ‘1’ to ‘3’) 

[“empty”]: The character string “empty” is entered. 

Track1: 31h, Track2: 32h, Track3: 33h 

Hex 65h 6Dh 70h 74h 79h 

ASCII e m p t y 

- 32 - 



Reading multiple tracks 

Data in the above-mentioned format is combined for the specified number of tracks and sent. 

Example: Reading Track 1 and Track 2 

54h 31h 3Ah [data] 0Dh 0Ah 54h 32h 3Ah [data] 0Dh 0Ah 

T 1 : [data] CR LF T 2 : [data] CR LF 

Condition 

Response 

Description 

Failed Reception Response (Timeout) 

Hex 54h 30h 3Ah [“timeout”] 0Dh 0Ah 

ASCII T 0 : [“timeout”] CR LF 

Character string 

“timeout” 

Delimiter 

Response indicating that it returned to the MCR off status due to a timeout 

[“timeout”]: The character string “timeout” is entered. 

Hex 74h 69h 6Dh 65h 6Fh 75h 74h 

ASCII t i m e o u t 

Condition 

Response 

Description 

Failed Reception Response (Read Error) 

Hex 54h 30h 3Ah [“can not read”] 0Dh 0Ah 

ASCII T 0 : [“can not read”] CR LF 

Character string “can 

not read” 

Delimiter 

Response indicating that an error occurred while reading 

[“can not read”]: The character string “can not read” is entered. 

Hex 53h 41h 4Eh 20h 4Eh 4Fh 54h 20h 52h 45h 41h 44h 

ASCII c a n n o t r e a d 

Space 

Space 

- 33 - 



6. Flow Charts 

6.1 Normal flow for USB connection 

Computer (host) 

If there are no 

problems with the 

printer status (media, 

etc.), the data is READ 

transmitted. If there 

is a problem, an error 

appears. 

Displaying sending 

Initialize 


Status (response to status information request) 

Sending control codes 

Sending raster data 

Status 

(Phase change: 

“Printing”) 

Printer 

The printer is 

initialized. 

The status of the 

printer (media, etc.) 

is checked and a 

response is sent. 

Data received. 

Beginning printing 

without waiting for 

a print command 

Printing 




Display ing printing 

Phase change 

“Printing” received. 

“Printing completed” 

received. 

READ 

Finishing process for 

printing page 1 

Sending data for page 2 

Sending a print command (print command with feeding (1A) 

for the last page or print command (0C) for other pages) 

Status (“Printing completed”) 

Status (Phase change: 

“Waiting to receive”) 

Sending control code/print data 

Printing of the 1st 

page is actually not 

finished, but the 

“Printing 

completed” status 

and “Waiting to 

receive” phase are 

sent. 

Status 



Printing 1st page 

Printing 2nd page 




- 34 - 

6. Flow Charts


6.2 Error flow for USB connection (when feeding at the end of the page) 




etc.), the data is 

transmitted. If there is 

a problem, an error 

appears. 



READ 

Initialize 




Printer 


initialized. 







Status 




without waiting for a 

print command 

Printing 


Displaying printing 

READ 

Phase change 



received. 

Finishing process 

for printing page 1 



for the last page or print command (0C) for other page) 


Status (Phase change: “Waiting to receive”) 

Sending control code/raster data 

Status 

(“Error occurred”) 

Printing of the 1st 

page is actually not 

finished, but the 


status and “Waiting 

to receive” phase are 

sent. 





If an error occurs, all 

data read from the 

computer is cleared. 


“Error Occured” received. 

An error appears. 

When restarted, data is 

resent starting with the 

1st page since “Printing” 

for the 2nd page is not 

received. 

Resending process 

for data of 1st page 

READ 



Initialize 

Reprinting 1st page 

- 35 - 

6. Flow Charts


6.3 Error flow for USB connection (with a concurrent printing error such as end of tape) 







appears. 


READ 


Initialize 




Printer 

Any jobs with errors 

remaining in the printer 

are cleared. 

The printer is initialized. 

The status of the printer 

(media, etc.) is checked 

and a response is sent. 




Status 

(Phase change : 




print command 

Printing 

Phase change 



“Printing completed” received. 

Phase change 

“Waiting to receive” received. 


printing page 1 



READ 

Phase change 


“Error Occured” received. 

An error appears. 

When restarted, data is resent 

starting with the 2nd page 

since “Printing” for the 2nd 

page is received. 

Resending process for 

data of 2nd page 

READ 




Status (Phase change: “Waiting to receive”) 

Sending control code/raster data 



Status 

(Phase change : 




Initialize 

Status 

(“Error Occurred”) 

Printing of the 1st page 

is actually not finished, 

but the “Printing 

completed” status and 

“Waiting to receive” 

phase are sent. 




If an error occurs, all 

data read from the 

computer is cleared. 

Reprinting 2nd page 

- 36 - 

6. Flow Charts


6.4 Cooling flow for USB connection 




printer status 

(media, etc.), the READ 

data is transmitted. 

If there is a 

problem, an error 

appears. 


Initialize 




Printer 

Any jobs with errors 

remaining in the printer 

are cleared. 

The printer is initialized. 

The status of the printer 

(media, etc.) is checked 

and a response is sent. 



Status 





print command 

Printing 




Status 

(Notification: 

“Cooling (started)”) 

Cooling occurred 

READ 


Failed 

Returned “NAK” from 

cooling 

Repeating reading of 

maximum and 

transmission timeout 

times. If the 

transmission timeout is 

exceeded, reading, 

and displaying the 

cooling status if a hightemperature 

error is 

returned. 

0 packet 

0 packet 

0 packet 

Continuing reading. 

0 packets are returned 

while cooling. 

0 packet 

When cooling is finished, 

Notification: “Cooling 

(finished)” is returned. 

Status (Notification: “Cooling (finished)”) 


Resuming printing 


- 37 - 

6. Flow Charts


6.5 Flow for setting serial connection baud rate 


Printer 

Printer waiting to 

recover from 3000 ms 

Sleep 

Old baud rate 

New baud rate 

Specify baud rate 

“Specify baud rate completed” status (normal status) 



* The request/response at the new baud rate are 

simply to verify that communication is possible and 

may be omitted. 

- 38 - 

6. Flow Charts


6.6 Normal flow for serial connection 


Printer 







appears. 

READ 


Initialize 





initialized. 













Printing 

Phase change 


READ 

Status 

(Phase change: “Printing”) 


received. 

Status 

(“Printing completed”) 

Phase change 

“Waiting to receive” received. 


printing 1st page 

Sending data for 

2nd page 

Status 

(Phase change: “Waiting to receive”) 






- 39 - 

6. Flow Charts


6.7 Error flow for serial connection 


Printer 




READ 

(media, etc.), the 


If there is a problem, 

an error appears. 

Initialize 


Status (response to status information 

request) or an error is displayed 


Initialized. 












Printing 

READ 

Phase change 


Status 

(Phase change: “Printing”) 

Status (“Error Occurred”) 


- 40 - 

6. Flow Charts


6.8 Cleaning flow for serial connection 


Printer 




(media, etc.), the 

READ 


If there is a problem, 

an error appears. 

Initialize 


Status (response to status 

information request) 


initialized. 

Status (response 

to status request) 








Printing 

Phase change 


READ 

Status 

(Phase change :“Printing”) 

Status 

(Notification: “Cooling (started)”) 

Cooling 

* “Cooling (standard)” 

and “Cooling (finished)” 

may be repeated 

multiple times during 

one printing operation. 

Status 

(Notification: “Cooling (finished)”) 

Printing 


received. 

Status 

(Printing completed) 

Phase change “Waiting 

to receive” received. 

End process for 

printing 1st page 

Sending data for 2nd 

page 

Status 

(Phase change: “Waiting to receive”) 






- 41 - 

6. Flow Charts


Appendix A: USB Specifications 

USB specifications 1.1 

Item 

Description 

Vendor ID 

Product ID 

Class 

Character string for 

manufacturer 


product 


serial number 

Device speed 

Number of interfaces 

Power supply 

End point 1 

End point 2 

0x04F9 

RJ-4030:2045 

RJ-4030Ai:208f 

RJ-4040:2046 

Printer 

Mass storage 

Character string descriptor: 0x01 

0x0409: “Brother” 


0x0409: “RJ-4030” 

0x0409: “RJ-4030Ai” 

0x0409: “RJ-4040” 


0x0409: “000000001” 

Last nine digits of the printer’s serial number 

Full speed 

1 (No alternate interfaces) 

Self-powered (As a printer class, Bus power is also set to “ON”.) 

In bulk (Sends the status from the printer to the computer.) 

Maximum packet size: 16 bytes 

Out bulk (Sends print commands and data from the computer to the printer.) 

Maximum packet size: 64 bytes 

- 42 - 

Appendix A: USB Specifications


Appendix B: Introducing the Brother Developer Center 

Useful information for developers, such as applications, tools, SDKs as well as FAQs, are provided in the 

Brother Developer Center. 

http://www.brother.com/product/dev/index.htm 

- 43 - 

Appendix B: Introducing the Brother Developer Center

Brother RJ-4040 - Raster Command Reference

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